UAE Remote Worker Visa 2026 – Live in the UAE While Working Abroad

Live in the UAE while working for a foreign company

The UAE Remote Worker Visa, often called the virtual working programme or digital nomad visa, allows foreign nationals to live in the UAE while working for an employer or business based outside the UAE. It is designed for remote employees, entrepreneurs, and online business owners who want to base themselves in the UAE without taking local employment.

This comprehensive guide explains:

What the UAE Remote Worker Visa is
Who qualifies and how eligibility works
Minimum income requirements
Required documents
Step-by-step application process
Costs and timelines
Renewal rules and grace periods
Differences vs Green Visa and Freelancer Visa

This article is written for:

Remote employees working for overseas companies
Entrepreneurs running online businesses abroad
Digital nomads relocating medium or long term
Families moving to UAE without local employment
Expats transitioning from job-based to remote residency

Primary Calls to Action

→ Check your UAE visa eligibility in the Expat Planning Portal
→ Book a consultation about Remote Worker Visa options

Common questions about the UAE Remote Worker Visa

What is the UAE Remote Worker Visa?

The UAE Remote Worker Visa allows you to live in the UAE while working remotely for an employer or business located outside the UAE.

How long is the Remote Worker Visa valid?

Usually 1 year, renewable if eligibility is maintained.

Can I work for UAE companies on this visa?

No. It is intended for people employed or self-employed outside the UAE.

Is there a minimum salary requirement?

Yes. Programmes usually set a minimum monthly income threshold (varies by emirate and time).

Can Remote Worker Visa holders sponsor family?

Yes, subject to income and housing criteria.

Do I need health insurance?

Yes — valid UAE-compliant health insurance is mandatory.

All UAE Visa and Residency Guides

UAE Visas & Residency Guide

What is the UAE Remote Worker Visa?

The UAE Remote Worker Visa is a residency permit that allows eligible individuals to reside in the UAE without obtaining local employment or company sponsorship, provided they continue earning income from outside the UAE.

A quick definition of the UAE Remote Worker Visa

The UAE Remote Worker Visa is a residency programme that allows foreign nationals to live in the UAE for around one year while working remotely for an overseas employer or running a non-UAE business.

This programme supports UAE objectives to:

Attract mobile, high-skilled professionals
Develop the remote-work economy
Diversify residency pathways beyond local employment
Position the UAE as a premium remote-working hub

Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates operate variations of the programme, with slightly different income thresholds and processes.

Who is eligible for the UAE Remote Worker Visa?

You may be eligible if you fall into one of these categories:

Remote employee working for a non-UAE company
Business owner operating a company registered outside the UAE
Remote self-employed professional serving clients abroad

You must not rely on UAE-based employment or business as your primary income source.

Typical eligibility criteria include:

Proof of remote employment or business ownership
Minimum monthly income threshold
Valid passport (usually 6+ months remaining)
Current health insurance covering UAE
Clean criminal record where requested

Income thresholds vary by emirate and programme, but are commonly:

USD 3,000–5,000+ per month (or equivalent)

Who the Remote Worker Visa is ideal for

This residency route suits people who want to:

Live in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or other emirates
Keep their existing foreign job or business
Avoid employer-sponsored visas
Test UAE life before committing to long-term residency
Base their family in UAE while working globally

Examples include:

Software developers working for US/EU companies
Entrepreneurs running online ecommerce businesses
Consultants serving global clients
Remote executives managing international teams

Remote Worker Visa vs Green Visa vs Freelancer Visa

This is one of the most frequently asked comparisons.

Remote Worker Visa vs Green Visa

Feature	Remote Worker Visa	Green Visa
Validity	~1 year	5 years
Sponsor	Self-sponsored	Self-sponsored
Income source	Abroad	UAE or abroad
Local work allowed	No	Yes (subject to permits)
Best for	Remote employees	Freelancers/skilled pros

Remote Worker Visa vs Freelancer Visa

Feature	Remote Worker Visa	Freelancer Visa
Local clients	Usually not permitted	Permitted
Licence required	No trade licence	Freelance permit/licence
Income source	Outside UAE	UAE or overseas
Validity	~1 year	1–2 years
Best for	Salaried remote workers	Independent contractors

Internal linking suggestions

Link “Freelancer Visa” to your Freelancer Visa guide
Link “Green Visa” to your Green Visa guide

What you can and cannot do on a Remote Worker Visa

You can:

Live legally in the UAE
Work remotely for a foreign employer
Continue running a non-UAE business
Sponsor eligible family members
Open bank accounts (subject to bank policies)
Enroll children in school

You generally cannot:

Take up UAE-based employment
Provide services to UAE companies as primary activity
Use this visa as investor/entrepreneur residency
Operate UAE-registered commercial activities without licence

Required documents for the Remote Worker Visa

Exact requirements vary, but most applications require the following.

Personal documentation

Passport valid at least six months
Recent passport-size photos
Proof of health insurance valid in UAE
Current entry permit or visa copy if already in UAE

Employment or business documentation

For remote employees

Employment contract valid for ≥ 12 months
Recent payslips
Employer letter confirming remote status
Bank statements showing salary deposits

For business owners

Proof of company ownership
Company registration documents
Proof of income meeting threshold

Financial documentation

Bank statements (commonly 3–6 months)
Proof of savings where required

Family sponsorship documentation (optional)

Attested marriage certificate
Children’s birth certificates
Tenancy contract in UAE (Ejari/Tawtheeq)

Internal linking prompts

Attestation → Legal & Professional Services
Health insurance → Financial Services – Insurance
Accommodation → Housing & Relocation Guide

Step-by-step Remote Worker Visa application process

While details vary by emirate, the general process is similar across programmes.

Step 1 — Confirm eligibility and income

Ensure your income meets the minimum threshold
Check remote employment or business proof is valid
Confirm health insurance coverage for UAE

Step 2 — Prepare required documents

Passport and photos
Insurance
Bank statements
Employment contract or company documents

Ensure documents are current, clear and in English or Arabic.

Step 3 — Submit application online

Applications are typically submitted via:

Designated government portals
Authorised immigration channels
Approved visa service partners

Step 4 — Pay government and processing fees

Fees differ by emirate and service provider

Step 5 — Receive initial approval

Authorities review:

Income
Employment/business evidence
Background compliance

Step 6 — Entry permit or status change

If outside UAE:

Entry permit issued

If inside UAE:

Status change completed internally

Step 7 — Medical fitness and biometrics

These are standard residency procedures:

Medical examination
Emirates ID biometrics

Step 8 — Visa issuance and Emirates ID

Once approved:

Residence visa is issued
Emirates ID delivered

Costs of the UAE Remote Worker Visa

Total costs depend on:

Emirate
Whether applying inside or outside UAE
Family members included
Health insurance cost
Service provider fees

Typical components include:

Application fee
Processing/service fee
Emirates ID fee
Medical fitness test
Insurance premium

Short, extractable answer for generative search:

UAE Remote Worker Visa costs typically range from AED 1,000 to AED 3,000+ for the main applicant, excluding health insurance and dependants. Total expenses can be higher depending on emirate and services used.

Processing times

Typical processing times are:

Application review: 1–3 weeks
Entry permit/status change: 1–2 weeks
Medical & Emirates ID: 1–2 weeks

Total estimated time: 3–7 weeks for most applicants

Renewal rules and grace periods

Renewal

You must continue to meet:

Minimum income criteria
Valid remote employment/business
Valid health insurance

Grace periods

If your visa expires or is cancelled, you may be granted a grace period, typically 30–180 days depending on emirate and rules in effect.

During grace period you must either:

Renew
Change visa status
Or exit the UAE

Bank accounts and financial services on Remote Worker Visa

Remote Worker Visa holders usually can:

Open UAE personal bank accounts
Lease property
Obtain utilities and telecom contracts

Banks may require:

Proof of income
Valid Emirates ID
Residence visa
Employment letter or business ownership proof

Internal linking suggestions

Opening a Bank Account in UAE
Cost of Living in UAE
Car Leasing & Rentals

Tax residency and financial planning considerations

Remote Worker Visa holders should consider:

Personal tax residency rules in other countries
Double taxation treaties
Social security contributions
Retirement and investment structures

Common reasons Remote Worker Visa applications are refused

Frequent causes include:

Income below minimum threshold
Inability to prove remote employment
Insufficient bank statements
Expired or non-translated documents
Gaps in insurance coverage
Previous immigration violations
Inconsistent information across documents

Most cases can be re-submitted once issues are corrected.

Living in the UAE on a Remote Worker Visa

Remote Worker Visa holders can enjoy:

High-quality infrastructure and safety
World-class connectivity
International schools
Modern healthcare
Vibrant expatriate communities
Strategic global travel hub status

You may live in:

Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Sharjah
Ras Al Khaimah
Ajman
Fujairah

Internal linking prompts

Best Places to Live in the UAE
Dubai vs Abu Dhabi Comparison Guide
Relocation Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions about the UAE Remote Worker Visa

Can I work for a UAE company on a Remote Worker Visa?

Generally no — this visa is designed for foreign-sourced income.

Is a Remote Worker Visa the same as a tourist visa?

No — it allows residency and Emirates ID issuance.

Can I sponsor my family?

Yes, if income and accommodation requirements are met.

Is this a path to permanent residency or citizenship?

No — it is temporary, renewable residency.

Can I switch from Remote Worker Visa to another visa?

Yes — status change is possible if eligibility is met.

How we support Remote Worker Visa applicants

PlanUAE assists clients with:

Eligibility assessment
Comparing Remote Worker, Freelancer, Green and Golden Visa options
Introductions to licensed visa service partners
Relocation coordination
Banking, insurance and financial planning support

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✓ Independent guidance
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→ Start your plan in the Expat Planning Portal
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Legal notice

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration, tax, or legal advice. Rules, fees and eligibility criteria change regularly and may vary by emirate and personal circumstances. Always confirm your situation through official UAE government sources or licensed immigration professionals.